Feeding back: Richard Wearmouth on taking control at Northumberland's development company

Arch

The last few months as the new Chairman of Arch, Northumberland’s regeneration company, have been challenging to say the least.  The organisation has been the subject of an investigation by the police which is ongoing. In addition the review undertaken internally within the company has come to the conclusion that Arch should be replaced by a fit for purpose organisation as soon as practical.

Up and down Northumberland there is a significant interest in the revelations in the press regarding Arch and what may or may not have happened in the past.  For obvious reasons I will not be drawn into comment on these at the present time other than to say that the new Conservative Council will always pursue a course that is in the public interest.

The same drive for delivering for the public will ensure that the new company which will replace Arch, is one that contributes to, rather than burdens the Council financially.

A Council meeting this week revealed that contrary to opposition claims about supposed benefits of Arch, the company’s loans actually leave the Council nearly £600k out of pocket annually, and at present and the company has yet to pay any money in dividends to the Council. This hangover from the previous Labour / Independent run County Council clearly needs to change and we are taking the necessary steps to achieve this. 

In pursing this cause we are very fortunate to have many dedicated and incredibly capable employees in the organisation who are perfectly able to deliver this change once liberated from the misguided policies of the previous administration. Despite the toxic brand the company has developed as a result of Labour mismanagement, the staff have proven that with effective management Northumberland can build a development company which will lead the way as a positive example of what can be achieved by a council.

With the correct focus and direction the Council and the Board I am sure that the new regeneration company will play a vital part in delivering a County that Works for Everyone in Northumberland.